WordGarden.iomarmite
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈɑːmaɪt/
US
Meanings
Noun
a dark, salty yeast-extract spread used on bread or in cooking
(informal)something or someone that people tend to either love or hate
Proper-noun
the Marmite brand of yeast-extract spread and related products
Beyond the definition
Marmite isn't just a food; it's an experience. This dark brown paste, made from brewer's yeast extract, is famous for its very strong, salty, savory taste. It's a staple in the UK, where people tend to have strong feelings about it: they either love it or hate it. That idea became so well known that "marmite" is also used in British English to describe anything that sharply divides opinion.
It is usually spread very thinly on toast, sandwiches, or crackers. It is also often used in small amounts to add depth to stews, gravies, and sauces. Don't expect a mild flavor; a little goes a long way.
Marmite is a dark brown, highly concentrated food spread made from yeast extract—a byproduct of the beer-brewing process. Developed in 1902 by German chemist Hermann Klausner in Burton-upon-Trent, it was originally marketed as a healthy and affordable source of B vitamins. However, it quickly became best known for its intensely savory, salty, and slightly bitter flavor profile.
The name "Marmite" comes from the French word for a large earthenware cooking pot, historically used to make broth or stock. The product's creators adopted this name—and the image of the pot on the label—to hint at the rich, flavorful base of the extract.
What makes Marmite truly unique is its polarizing nature. Its pungent taste is not for everyone, and people tend to have very definite opinions from the first bite. This "love it or hate it" idea has become central to the brand's identity and is a big reason the word is also used more broadly in British English. A film, a politician, a design trend, or even a public figure can be described as "marmite" if people strongly disagree about it.
In British culture, Marmite is more than just a spread; it's a cultural touchstone. It evokes strong memories and represents a distinctly British palate. While it has a presence in other Commonwealth countries, it remains most iconic in the UK. Devoted fans around the world swear by its unique flavor and nutritional benefits, using it in everything from simple toast toppings to complex culinary creations. But be warned: if you are trying it for the first time, approach with caution!
Examples
- 1
Toast spread
She spread Marmite thinly on a slice of hot toast.
- 2
Toast choice
Do you want Marmite or jam on your toast?
- 3
Divisive person
That comedian is a bit Marmite: people either love him or find him unbearable.
- 4
Divisive issue
It became a Marmite issue among fans, with no one feeling neutral about it.
- Phrasea Marmite issue
an issue that people strongly like or dislike
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- marmitenoun